THE N.I.H. NEEDS TO HEAR FROM YOU! (Seriously, this is very important.)

From Don C. Reed

The National Institutes of Health Guidelines for Human Stem Cell Research have just been issued. These are the laws under which all federally-funded stem cell research will be conducted.

But they are not yet carved in stone.

This is the public comment period. For the next 3 weeks, until May 26th, 2009, comments on the guidelines will be accepted.

But– if you are not a scientist, what does this have to do with you?

Everything.

We need you to write a letter, just saying that you support the research.

Consider this: those who oppose the research will definitely be writing in.

Every letter will be tabulated, as well as read.

Opponents are already being organizing a mass letter-writing campaign.

What if the majority of people writing in are against embryonic stem cell research? That figure will be used against us at every opportunity: quoted by every anti-research legislator, at every budget hearing from now on.

This has happened before.

In 1999, when President Clinton proposed guidelines for federal funding of embryonic stem cell research, there was a public comment period.

According to Lana Skirboll, Ph.D., office of the Director, NIH ___________, more than 80% of the comments were negative.

Imagine being a congressman in a swing state, and you are being hammered by the Religious Right, and you see that what looks like 80% of the interested American public is against the research?

Folks, wherever you are, the NIH needs to hear from you.

If you only send a one sentence letter, that would be great.

If you are a scientist or patient advocate, you will have more to say, which will get your letter put into a different category: like an expert witness gets more credibility.

Ideally? Every scientist in America should write a letter. Every medical student, every teacher, every parent of a child who has now or may contract an incurable disease— for which we want a cure.

Folks, this is for everyone, and accordingly, everyone needs to weigh in on it.

There are three ways to do it: electronically, and ground mail.

At the end of this letter is an electronic form, which you can use.

Or go to https://nihoerextra.nih.gov/stem_cells/add.htm and post your comments there.

Or, write a snail mail letter, to: NIH Stem Cell Guidelines, MSC 7997
9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892-7997

Here are the guidelines themselves, followed (at the very bottom) by an electronic comment form you could do instantly.

Advice: these letters will be public. If you have other family friends, relatives, and co-workers that want to help (and, they are soooooo welcome) be sure they do not just copy a form letter. The opposition will do this.

What will happen is this: the NIH will hire a contractor to go over all the communications, and sort them. They will be divided up into various categories. Some will offer suggestions: one pile. Others will say, thank you for supporting the research—another pile. After all the hopefully millions of communications are sorted, the results will be published.

This is a major assignment, folks. We need to all write our own letters, and then try to get five more people each to do the same.

Can anybody say: phone tree?

Please help me on this one, folks, we are playing for the big bucks now. Enclosed below are: the form you fill out to make comments, plus the information from the NIH.

Enclosed

[Federal Register: April 23, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 77)] [Notices] [Page 18578-18580] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr23ap09-42]

———————————————————————–

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

National Institutes of Health

Draft National Institutes of Health Guidelines for Human Stem
Cell Research Notice

SUMMARY: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is requesting public
comment on draft guidelines entitled “National Institutes of Health
Guidelines for Human Stem Cell Research” (Guidelines).
The purpose of these draft Guidelines is to implement Executive

Order 13505, issued on March 9, 2009, as it pertains to extramural NIH-
funded research, to establish policy and procedures under which NIH
will fund research in this area, and to help ensure that NIH-funded
research in this area is ethically responsible, scientifically worthy,
and conducted in accordance with applicable law. Internal NIH
procedures, consistent with Executive Order 13505 and these Guidelines,
will govern the conduct of intramural NIH research involving human stem
cells.
These draft Guidelines would allow funding for research using human
embryonic stem cells that were derived from embryos created by in vitro
fertilization (IVF) for reproductive purposes and were no longer needed
for that purpose. Funding will continue to be allowed for human stem
cell research using adult stem cells and induced pluripotent stem

cells. Specifically, these Guidelines describe the conditions and
informed consent procedures that would have been required during the
derivation of human embryonic stem cells for research using these cells
to be funded by the NIH. NIH funding for research using human embryonic
stem cells derived from other sources, including somatic cell nuclear
transfer, parthenogenesis, and/or IVF embryos created for research
purposes, is not allowed under these Guidelines.
NIH funding of the derivation of stem cells from human embryos is
prohibited by the annual appropriations ban on funding of human embryo
research (Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2009, Pub. L. 110-161, 3/11/
09), otherwise known as the Dickey-Wicker Amendment.
According to these Guidelines, there are some uses of human
embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent stem cells that,
although those cells may come from allowable sources, are nevertheless
ineligible for NIH funding.
For questions regarding ongoing NIH-funded research involving human
embryonic stem cells, as well as pending applications and those
submitted prior to the issuance of Final Guidelines, see the NIH Guide
https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-09-085.html.

DATES: Written comments must be received by NIH on or before May 26,
2009.

ADDRESSES: The NIH welcomes public comment on the draft Guidelines set
forth below. Comments may be entered at: https://nihoerextra.nih.gov/
stem_cells/add.htm. Comments may also be mailed to: NIH Stem Cell
Guidelines, MSC 7997, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-
7997. Comments will be made publicly available, including any
personally identifiable or confidential business information
they
contain.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On March 9, 2009, President Barack H. Obama
issued Executive Order 13505: Removing Barriers to Responsible
Scientific Research Involving Human Stem Cells. The Executive Order
states that the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the
Director of NIH, may support and conduct responsible, scientifically
worthy human stem cell research, including human embryonic stem cell
research, to the extent permitted by law.
The purpose of these draft Guidelines is to implement Executive
Order 13505, issued on March 9, 2009, as it pertains to extramural NIH-
funded research, to establish policy and procedures under which NIH
will fund research in this area, and to help ensure that NIH-funded
research
in this area is ethically responsible, scientifically worthy,
and conducted in accordance with applicable law. Internal NIH
procedures, consistent with Executive Order 13505 and these Guidelines,
will govern the conduct of intramural NIH research involving human stem
cells.
Long-standing Department of Health and Human Services regulations
for Protection of Human Subjects, 45 CFR part 46, establish safeguards

for individuals who are the sources of many human tissues used in
research, including non-embryonic human adult stem cells and human
induced pluripotent stem cells. When research involving human adult
stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells constitutes human subject
research, Institutional Review Board review may be required and
informed consent may need to be obtained per the requirements detailed
in 45
CFR part 46. Applicants should consult https://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/
humansubjects/guidance/45cfr46.htm.
As described in these draft Guidelines, human embryonic stem cells
are cells that are derived from human embryos, are capable of dividing
without differentiating for a prolonged period in culture, and are
known to develop into cells and tissues of the three primary germ
layers. Although human embryonic stem cells are derived from embryos,
such stem cells are not themselves human embryos.
Studies of human embryonic stem cells may yield information about
the complex events that occur during human development. Some of the
most
serious medical conditions, such as cancer and birth defects, are
due to abnormal cell division and differentiation. A better
understanding of the genetic and molecular controls of these processes
could provide information about how such diseases arise and suggest new
strategies for therapy. Human embryonic stem cells may also be used to
test new drugs. For example, new medications could be tested for safety
on differentiated somatic cells generated from human embryonic stem

cells.
Perhaps the most important potential use of human embryonic stem
cells is the generation of cells and tissues that could be used for
cell-based therapies. Today, donated tissues and organs are often used
to replace ailing or destroyed tissue, but the need for transplantable
tissues and organs far outweighs the available supply. Stem cells,
directed
to differentiate into specific cell types, offer the
possibility of a renewable source of replacement cells and tissues to
treat diseases and conditions, including Parkinson’s disease,
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal cord injury, burns, heart
disease, diabetes, and arthritis.

[[Page 18579]]

NIH currently funds ongoing research involving human embryonic stem
cells as detailed under prior Presidential policy. Under that policy,
Federal funds have been used for research on human embryonic stem cells
where the derivation process was initiated prior to 9 p.m. EDT August
9, 2001, the embryo was created for reproductive purposes, the embryo
was no longer needed for these purposes, informed consent was obtained
for the donation of the embryo, and no
financial inducements were
provided for donation of the embryo.
These draft Guidelines would allow funding for research using only
those human embryonic stem cells that were derived from embryos created
by in vitro fertilization (IVF) for reproductive purposes and were no
longer needed for that purpose. Funding will continue to be allowed for
human stem cell research using adult stem cells and induced pluripotent

stem cells. Specifically, these Guidelines describe the conditions and
informed consent procedures that would have been required during the
derivation of human embryonic stem cells for research using these cells
to be funded by the NIH. NIH funding for research using human embryonic
stem cells derived from other sources, including somatic cell nuclear
transfer, parthenogenesis, and/or IVF embryos created for research
purposes, is not allowed under these Guidelines.
Please note that, for NIH funded research using the permitted human
embryonic stem cells, the requirements of the Department’s protection
of human subjects regulations, 45 CFR part 46, may or may not apply,
depending on the nature of the research. For further information, see
Human Embryonic Stem Cells, Germ Cells and Cell Derived Test Articles:
OHRP Guidance for Investigators
and Institutional Review Boards.
NIH funding of the derivation of stem cells from human embryos is
prohibited by the annual appropriations ban on funding of human embryo
research (Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2009, Pub. L. 110-161, 3/11/
09), otherwise known as the Dickey-Wicker Amendment.
According to these Guidelines, there are some uses of human
embryonic stem cells
that, although those cells may come from allowable
sources, are nevertheless ineligible for NIH funding.
In developing these draft Guidelines, the NIH consulted its
Guidelines issued in 2000, as well as the thoughtful guidelines
developed by other national and international committees of scientists,
bioethicists, patient advocates, physicians and other stakeholders,
including the U.S. National Academies, the International Society
for
Stem Cell Research, and others.
As directed by Executive Order 13505, the NIH shall review and
update these Guidelines periodically, as appropriate.
The Draft Guidelines Follow:

National Institutes of Health Guidelines for Human Stem Cell Research

I. Scope of Guidelines

These Guidelines describe the circumstances under which human
embryonic stem cells are eligible for use in extramural NIH-funded
research, and they also include a section on uses of human embryonic
stem cells or human induced pluripotent stem cells that are ineligible
for NIH funding.
For the purpose of these Guidelines, “human embryonic stem cells”
are cells that are derived from human embryos, are capable of dividing
without differentiating for a prolonged period in culture, and are
known to develop into cells and tissues of the three primary germ
layers. Although human embryonic stem cells are derived from embryos,
such stem cells are not themselves human embryos.

II. Guidelines for Eligibility of Human Embryonic Stem Cells for Use in
Research

A. The Executive Order: Executive Order 13505, Removing Barriers to
Responsible Scientific Research Involving Human Stem Cells, states that
the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS),
through the Director of the NIH, may support and
conduct responsible,
scientifically worthy human stem cell research, including human
embryonic stem cell research, to the extent permitted by law.
B. Eligibility of Human Embryonic Stem Cells Derived from Human
Embryos: Human embryonic stem cells may be used in research using NIH
funds, if the cells were derived from human embryos that were created
for reproductive purposes, were no longer needed for this purpose, were

donated for research purposes, and for which documentation for all of
the following can be assured:
1. All options pertaining to use of embryos no longer needed for
reproductive purposes were explained to the potential donor(s).
2. No inducements were offered for the donation.
3. A policy was in place at the health care
facility where the
embryos were donated that neither consenting nor refusing to donate
embryos for research would affect the quality of care provided to
potential donor(s).
4. There was a clear separation between the prospective donor(s)’s
decision to create human embryos for reproductive purposes and the
prospective donor(s)’s decision to donate human embryos for research
purposes.
5. At the time of donation, consent for that donation was obtained
from the individual(s) who had sought reproductive services. That is,
even if potential donor(s) had given prior indication of their intent
to donate to research any embryos that remained after reproductive
treatment, consent for the donation should have been given at the time
of the donation. Donor(s) were
informed that they retained the right to
withdraw consent until the embryos were actually used for research.
6. Decisions related to the creation of human embryos for
reproductive purposes were made free from the influence of researchers
proposing to derive or utilize human embryonic stem cells in research.
Whenever it was practicable, the attending physician responsible for
reproductive clinical care and the researcher deriving
and/or proposing
to utilize human embryonic stem cells should not have been the same
person.
7. Written informed consent was obtained from individual(s) who
sought reproductive services and who elected to donate human embryos
for research purposes. The following information, which is pertinent to
making the decision of whether or not to donate human embryos for
research purposes, was in the written consent form for donation and
discussed with potential donor(s) in the informed consent process:
a. A statement that donation of the embryos for research was
voluntary;
b. A statement that donor(s) understood alternative options
pertaining to use of the embryos;
c. A statement
that the embryos would be used to derive human
embryonic stem cells for research;
d. Information about what would happen to the embryos in the
derivation of human embryonic stem cells for research;
e. A statement that human embryonic stem cells derived from the
embryos might be maintained for many years;
f. A statement
that the donation was made without any restriction
or direction regarding the individual(s) who may receive medical
benefit from the use of the stem cells;
g. A statement that the research was not intended to provide direct
medical benefit to the donor(s);

[[Page 18580]]

h. A statement as to whether or not information that could identify
the donor(s) would be retained prior to the derivation or the use of
the human embryonic stem cells (relevant guidance from the DHHS Office
for Human Research Protections (OHRP) should be followed, as
applicable; see OHRP’s Guidance for Investigators and Institutional
Review Boards Regarding Research Involving Human Embryonic Stem Cells,
Germ Cells, and Stem
Cell-Derived Test Articles and Guidance on
Research Involving Coded Private Information or Biological Specimens,
or successor guidances); and
i. A statement that the results of research using the human
embryonic stem cells may have commercial potential, and a statement
that the donor(s) would not receive financial or any other benefits
from any such commercial development.
C. Prior to the use of NIH funds: Funding recipients must ensure
that: (1) The human embryonic stem cells were derived consistent with
sections II.A and B of these Guidelines; and (2) the grantee
institution maintains appropriate documentation demonstrating such
consistency in accordance with 45 CFR 74.53, which also details rights
of access by NIH. The responsible grantee institutional official must

provide assurances with respect to (1) and (2) when endorsing
applications and progress reports submitted to NIH for projects that
utilize these cells.

III. Research Using Human Embryonic Stem Cells and/or Human Induced
Pluripotent Stem Cells That, Although the Cells May Come From Allowable
Sources, Is Nevertheless Ineligible for NIH Funding

This section governs research using human embryonic stem cells and
human induced pluripotent stem cells, i.e., human cells that are
capable of dividing without differentiating for a prolonged period in
culture, and are known to develop into cells and tissues of the three
primary germ layers. There are some uses of these cells that, although
they may come from allowable sources, are nevertheless ineligible for

NIH funding, as follows:
A. Research in which human embryonic stem cells (even if derived
according to these Guidelines) or human induced pluripotent stem cells
are introduced into non-human primate blastocysts.
B. Research involving the breeding of animals where the
introduction of human embryonic stem cells (even if derived according
to these Guidelines) or human induced pluripotent stem cells may have
contributed to the germ line.

IV. Other Non-Allowable Research

A. NIH funding of the derivation of stem cells from human embryos
is prohibited by the annual appropriations ban on funding of human
embryo research (Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2009, Pub. L. 110-
161, 3/11/09), otherwise known as the Dickey-Wicker Amendment.
B. NIH funding for research using human embryonic stem cells
derived from other sources, including somatic cell nuclear transfer,
parthenogenesis, and/or IVF embryos created for research purposes, is
not allowed under these Guidelines.

Dated: April 17, 2009.
Raynard S. Kington,
Acting Director, NIH.
[FR Doc. E9-9313 Filed 4-22-09; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4140-01-P

Draft NIH Human Stem Cell Guidelines
Comments Form

Comments Deadline: 11:00pm EST on May 26, 2009.

Comments are requested below, as announced
in the April 23, 2009 Federal Register Notice.

( * = Required Field )

Name of Individual(s)
Submitting Comments:

Affiliation:
Commenting on behalf of:

Self
Organization:
Name of Organization:
Address of Organization:

* Comments:
Please enter your comments on the Draft NIH Human Stem Cell Guidelines, as announced in the April 23, 2009 Federal Register Notice. Please reference specific sections in the document, when applicable. Please note that comments will be publicly available, including those containing personally identifiable or confidential business information.

You may want to copy and paste from a word processor into the text box. Note that text will not be formatted (e.g. will not retain bold, colors and other formatting).

Attachment:
If you need to attach a file with any additional comments or information, the file must have an extension of “txt” (text only).

Note that the form will not submit if an invalid path or filename is entered, so please be sure to click the “Browse” button, then select the file to be uploaded.

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* Security Check:
Please Enter the following Random Number in the Box below: 7222

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Note: Collection of this information is authorized under 5 U.S.C. 301; 44 U.S.C. 3101. The primary use of this form is to collect public comments on the draft NIH Human Stem Cell Guidelines. NIH will consider all comments. This information will be used by staff of the NIH, its contractors and others, for the purpose of reviewing, collating or analyzing the comments in developing final NIH Stem Cell Guidelines. Submission of this information is voluntary. By providing comments, you are consenting to their consideration and use by the NIH. All comments received before the close of the comment period, including those containing personally identifiable or confidential business information, will be made available at https://stemcells.nih.gov/index.asp after May 26, 2009. This includes the name and affiliation of those submitting comments (if provided). NIH will not post comments that are not related to the draft Stem Cell Guidelines or that NIH has determined as inappropriate or offensive.

If you have any questions regarding the submission of your comments, please contact StemCellGuidelines@mail.nih.gov.

Go to NIH Stem Cell Information Page

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